This programme is now available to view on egovtv.tv, the online television channel for public service modernisation. It reviews how modern ICT infrastructure can help organisations introduce many of the transformational initiatives such as shared services, citizen-centred delivery and Children’s Services.An expert panel discussion, interview and local authority case study provide a practical examination and demonstration of how this infrastructure can be implemented to support these initiatives and deliver the ongoing savings and service improvements that are demanded of local authorities and their partners.

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A newly-created Local Government Panel, made up of elected members from around England and Wales, has had its first meeting with the Health and Safety Commission. The new forum has been established to promote a dialogue on local, central and devolved government issues that impact on health and safety regulatory functions.The panel will also have the task of reviewing the effectiveness and assessing the performance of the partnership between the enforcing authorities, the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities. It was set up after a review last year of the liaison and governance arrangements between the two sides. That review recognised local government as a key strategic partner that had a unique role among stakeholders. It also stressed the importance of setting up a regular forum with local government to bring about an improved partnership

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A think tank has welcomed the appointment of the first Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities in the Cabinet reshuffle. The New Local Government Network says the new department, being run by former education Secretary Ruth Kelly, had the opportunity to put decentralisation high on the political agenda and to create a new contract with citizens for devolving power from Whitehall.The NLGN has also welcomed comments by the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, indicating that the Government is committed to more power being passed to local communities from central government.

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